(Newser)
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott managed to not only slight China by meeting Taiwan's president on Sunday, he managed to step in it with Taiwan's president, too, reports Mashable. During the meeting, Tsai Ing-wen gave Abbott a vase, and Abbott in turn presented her with a clock decorated with the Texas state seal. The rub is that to the Chinese and Taiwanese, the gift of a clock is considered almost a curse, representing the end of a relationship or of life, reports the South China Morning Post. In both Mandarin and Cantonese, the phrase "giving a clock" sounds like the phrase "attending a funeral," and "therefore symbolizes an untimely demise for the recipient," reports Taiwan News.

Some Facebook users in Taiwan claimed the gift was "humiliating" and that Americans were "terrible" for not knowing better. But a rep for Taiwan's economic and cultural office in Houston confirmed the president was not offended, reports the Austin American-Statesman. "It was an honor to meet with President Tsai and discuss how our two economies can expand upon our already prosperous trade partnership," Abbott said. He isn't the only one to have made such a mistake. Last year, Britain's minister of state for transport gave Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je a watch. Ko called the timepiece a "piece of junk" and said he would sell it for scrap, but he later claimed he was only joking. (Read more Taiwan stories.)

Sure glad the Gov. didn't think to give China a "reset" button, appropriately misspelled, of course. The grand-daddy of tacky and thoughtless political gifts.

Harvey Wallbanger

Jan 11, 2017 6:15 AM CST

So, is it only Westerners who are supposed to understand and respect every nation and culture's traditions? Hint: This gift is likely a pro-forma gift, one that is approved by ethics and limits on cost etc. Many public figures who officially visit the governor likely get the same gift. I like this actually. It tells me they aren't thinking about the stupid gifts or how well they are kissing the butts of folks. Of course, it should be avoided if possible but in the end, this is just more of the bizarre worldview of prog-marxist leftists and their unending campaign of vilifying non-urban Americans.

GodSAveAmerica

Jan 10, 2017 10:19 PM CST

Really Newser; is this the best you can do - NOT... IF a clock, watch or pocket watch is given accidentally; the receiver gives the person giving the clock, etc. some money; it then indicated they bought it and all is well.